HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY

Oldest treatises

  • Horoscopic Astrology in the Indian subcontinent came from Hellinistic influences, post-dating Vedic period
  • Vedas, the ancient and sacred literature of the Hindus do not mention astrology.

First Indian Books on Astrology

  • Yavanajataka (Sayings of the Greeks)
    • It was translated in 269/270 AD by Sphujidhavaja under Rudrasena II
    • It is a versification of the translation of Greek treatise.
    • Original translation by Yavanesvara in 149-150 CE under patronage of Western Satrap Saka king Rudradaman I is lost.
      1. Original text on horoscopy was written around 120 BCE in Alexandria
    • Etymology: Yavana (Greek) + Jataka (nativity)
    • Contents of the book:
      1. Calculation of astrological charts (horoscopes)
      2. The method uses time and place of birth
      3. The method also uses zodiac signs on eastern horizon.
  • Vedanga Jyotisha:
    • This is the earliest known sanskrit work on horoscopy
  • Brihat-Samhita:
    • Contribution of Varahamihira
    • It is considered as one of five main treatises on Hindu astrology on horoscopy.

Books on Astronomy

  • Paulisa Siddhanta (Doctorine of Paul):
    1. Deals with Astronomy
    2. Influenced Varahamihira (Indian Astronomer)
  • Romaka Sidhanta (Doctorine of Romans)
    1. Deals with Astronomy
    2. Influenced Varahamihira

Does Astrology Work?

  • Testing Astrology:
    • Research Paper:
      • Astrologers claimed that they can tell a person's intelligence from his horoscope but 27 astrologers failed to perform better than chance with 40 horoscopes of intellecutally bright subjects and mentally handicapped subjects. Hence, Indian Astrology cannot be considered as a science. [An Indian Test of Indian Astrology]
  • The above research proves that astrology hardly works and is not better than a game of chance

Hindu Scriptures about Astrology

  • According to the following verses in Manusmriti, astrology and games of chance are considered as sins.

    1. "... he who subsists by astrology ... (162) ... must be carefully avoided (167)" [Manusmriti 3:162,167]

    2. "Drinking, dice, women, and hunting, these four (which have been enumerated) in succession, he must know to be the most pernicious in the set that springs from love of pleasure." [Manusmrithi 7:50]